Grossman gets ticket back to minors

Astros manager Bo Porter recently said his rebuilding club would continue to conduct extended evaluations at all three of its outfield positions until players either prove they are ready for a long-term spot in the big leagues or show they can’t shine in prime time.

Grossman was the first casualty of the experiment Monday.

The struggling 23-year-old center fielder was optioned back to Class AAA Oklahoma City following the Astros’ 3-2 12-inning win over the Rockies at Minute Maid Park. While starting pitcher Bud Norris spoke with the media and teammates buzzed about Brandon Barnes’ walk-off double, a clearly shaken Grossman was left to clean out his locker for a return to the minor leagues.

“I’ll just go down there and keep playing hard,” said Grossman, who went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts Monday to lower his average to .198 with 31 strikeouts and a .553 OPS in 28 games (111 at-bats).

The former Cy Fair High School standout was promoted from OKC on April 24 after starting center fielder Justin Maxwell fractured his left hand. Grossman immediately became the Astros’ regular center fielder and leadoff hitter. He hit two doubles during his major league debut at Minute Maid — a game taken in by his parents — and Grossman’s first week in the majors featured a dream-like road trip to Boston and New York.

Maxwell is still about two weeks away from returning to action, and the Astros’ other two starting outfielders — J.D. Martinez and Jimmy Paredes — have yet to assert themselves in the majors. But with reserve Trevor Crowe receiving more playing time and Grossman often looking overmatched against big league pitching, the Astros returned a key piece of the 2012 Wandy Rodriguez trade back to OKC.

The Astros will announce a corresponding roster move Tuesday.

Twitter: ChronAstros

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Chronicle

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May 28: Rockies 2, Astros 1

Rockies second baseman DJ LeMahieu tags out Astros first baseman Carlos Pena (12) as Pena tries to steal second during the third inning at Minute Maid Park.

May 28: Rockies 2, Astros 1

Rockies second baseman DJ LeMahieu tags out Astros first baseman Carlos Pena (12) as Pena tries to steal second during the third inning at Minute Maid Park.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Chronicle

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Astros catcher Carlos Corporan (22) tags out Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado in a double play to end the third inning.

Astros catcher Carlos Corporan (22) tags out Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado in a double play to end the third inning.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Chronicle

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Astros left fielder J.D. Martinez hits a single during the second inning.

Astros left fielder J.D. Martinez hits a single during the second inning.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Chronicle

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Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado slides into third base as Astros third baseman Matt Dominguez tries to make a play during the third inning.

Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado slides into third base as Astros third baseman Matt Dominguez tries to make a play during the third inning.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Chronicle

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Astros shortstop Ronny Cedeno (13) makes an over the shoulder catch which was the first out of a double play that ended with a tag out at home during the third inning.

Astros shortstop Ronny Cedeno (13) makes an over the shoulder catch which was the first out of a double play that ended with a tag out at home during the third inning.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Chronicle

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Astros shortstop Ronny Cedeno gets a clear throw to first on a double play before a runner tagged home during the fourth inning.

Astros shortstop Ronny Cedeno gets a clear throw to first on a double play before a runner tagged home during the fourth inning.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Chronicle

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Astros catcher Carlos Corporan gets caught up in the backstop as he tries to make a play on a foul ball during the seventh inning.

Astros catcher Carlos Corporan gets caught up in the backstop as he tries to make a play on a foul ball during the seventh inning.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Chronicle

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Astros catcher Carlos Corporan scores the team's lone run during the fourth inning.

Astros catcher Carlos Corporan scores the team's lone run during the fourth inning.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Chronicle

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May 27: Astros 3, Rockies 2 (12)

Astros right fielder Brandon Barnes celebrates with teammates after his game-winning hit.

May 27: Astros 3, Rockies 2 (12)

Astros right fielder Brandon Barnes celebrates with teammates after his game-winning hit.